The effect of training given using three different methods on genital hygiene behaviours after medical curettage

Abstract This research was conducted to determine the effect of genital hygiene training given with three different methods after medical curettage on genital hygiene behaviours. A randomised semi-experimental study was performed with 90 patients who underwent medical curettage at a university hospital in Turkey. The participants were divided into three equal groups: verbal training, training with written materials, and demonstration only. Data was collected using the Patient Information Form and the Genital Hygiene Behaviour Scale. There was no difference between mean pre-training and post-training Genital Hygiene Behaviours Scale total and sub-dimension scores in the verbal group (p > .05). There was a difference between the groups after the training between the mean total and sub-dimensions of the Genital Hygiene Behaviour Scale scores (p < .05). The study findings showed that the demonstration method in genital hygiene training given to participants who underwent medical curettage was more effective in improving genital hygiene behaviours than other methods. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? It is seen that verbal education alone is not effective in providing and developing genital hygiene behaviours. Although studies are investigating the effectiveness of education on genital hygiene behaviours of women, there is no study investigating the effectiveness of education methods. What do the results of this study add? The demonstration method for the development of genital hygiene behaviours is more effective than verbal and written education methods. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of training methods for the development of genital hygiene behaviours. Nurses' preference for demonstration methods in genital hygiene education programs may contribute to the protection and development of health by facilitating the teaching of correct health behaviours.